Important Notification for the Sony VAIO® TZ Series

Sony takes pride in the quality of its products. Recently, we became aware of a potential issue affecting the following notebook PC models:

VGN-TZ100 series

VGN-TZ200 series

VGN-TZ300 series

VGN-TZ2000 series

The issue involves a small number of units which may overheat due to a wiring problem. Sony has initiated a voluntary program to perform a free inspection and, if necessary, a repair to ensure these units meet our high quality standards.

To find out if your VAIO notebook is one of the affected units, please visit this link: http://esupport.sony.com/fixmypc. You will be prompted to input your product code and serial number located on the bottom of the notebook. It will be checked automatically against the range of affected units. If you find that your PC is one of the affected models, follow the instructions on the website and make arrangements for an inspection. You may also call our VAIO TZ customer hotline at 1-888-526-6219 to determine whether your notebook computer is affected by this issue and whether service is required.

Sony will provide a shipping container and prepaid return shipping label for an inspection and, if necessary, repair at our service center.

The satisfaction of our customers is our number one concern, and we will work diligently to ensure that your VAIO notebook is in top working order. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your support in this matter.

Sincerely,

Mike Abary,
Senior Vice President, VAIO
Sony Electronics Inc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can customers who have affected models continue to use their notebook?
A1: Yes, they can continue to use the unit. However, they should still call 1-888-526-6219 at their earliest convenience to set up an inspection and possible repair.

Q2: Which specific TZ notebooks have been affected?
A2: Models series beginning with VGN-TZ are potentially affected.

Q3: What was the cause or basic problem with these units?
A3: Irregularly placed wires near the hinge, or a dislodged screw inside the hinge, may create a short circuit, causing localized overheating.

Q4: How do I know if a specific unit is affected?
A4: By visiting a special website: http://esupport.sony.com/fixmypc and checking what's listed on the site in relation to the serial number on the computer.

Q5: What should consumers do if they think their computer is currently experiencing this problem?
A5: Immediately power off the unit, unplug the AC adapter and remove the battery. Then you should call 1-888-526-6219 to arrange for inspection and repair service.

Q6: Have there been any incidents where this issue has caused a fire?
A6: No.

Q7: Is there any risk of burn or injury?
A7: There is a risk of minor burns if the affected part is touched while hot.

Q8: Has this issue been found in all TZ models?
A8: No. However, we believe there is the potential for this issue to occur in all models sold between July 2007 and August 2008.

Q9: What is Sony going to do for consumers who may have affected models?
A9: Sony is offering a free inspection and repair service. They should visit http://esupport.sony.com/fixmypc for details or call the toll-free number 1-888-526-6219.

Q10: How will the repair process work?
A10: It will vary based on what is found (if anything) during the inspection. Customers should first visit http://esupport.sony.com/fixmypc or call 1-888-526-6219 for details on the inspection and repair procedure.

Q11: Are any other VAIO notebook models at risk?
A11: No

Q12: Can consumers return affected models to the stores where they purchased them?
A12: No. They should call Sony directly at 1-888-526-6219 for inspection and repair service.

Q13: Can an affected PC be serviced in the United States if it was purchased in another country?
A13: Yes, but the unit must be repaired through a Sony repair facility.

Q14: What if the affected PC was purchased in the United States but is currently in another country, can it be it serviced in other countries?
A14: Yes, all countries that sell Sony VAIO units service them in their local regions. Please contact the local Sony office to schedule repair in those local regions. If you do not want to use the local region repair facility, you may ship the unit to the US Sony Depot at your own shipping expense.

Q15: Does the identified issue exist on other VAIO PC models?
A15: No, the identified issue only affects the identified VGN-TZ models.